Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train — All Trains, Ticket Price & Complete Guide (2026)
For decades, the only way to get from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar was by road. Overnight buses, dusty highways, 10 to 12 hours and you’d arrive at the world’s longest sea beach already worn out. That changed on 1 December 2023, when Bangladesh Railway launched the first direct Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train in history. For the first time, Cox’s Bazar was reachable by train no flight needed, no overnight bus.
Two intercity trains now run on this route the Cox’s Bazar Express and the Parjatak Express. Both cover the 551-kilometre journey in approximately 8 to 9 hours, passing through Chittagong and the new coastal rail line down to the beach.
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train — Quick Facts
| Route Distance | 551 km — Kamalapur to Cox’s Bazar Railway Station |
| Total Trains | 2 intercity trains — Cox’s Bazar Express & Parjatak Express |
| Journey Time | 8 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes |
| Route Opened | December 2023 — newest long-distance rail route in Bangladesh |
| Cheapest Fare | ৳ 310 (Shovan Chair) |
| Premium Fare | ৳ 2,545 (AC Cabin) |
| Best Time to Visit | November to March — cool, dry, sea at its calmest |
| Book Online | eticket.railway.gov.bd |
| Helpline | 131 |
Why the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train Changed Everything
Before December 2023, a family wanting a beach holiday in Cox’s Bazar from Dhaka had three realistic options: an overnight bus (cheap but exhausting), a flight (comfortable but expensive), or a private car (flexible but slow). None of them was ideal. The Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train changed that.
For the first time, a family of four can travel in reserved seats with a dining car on board and spend far less than four flight tickets would cost. Shovan Chair tickets start at ৳ 310 per person, meaning a family of four covers the entire journey for under ৳ 1,300. The same family flying would spend ten times that.
The train also does something the bus cannot the journey is actually worth taking. From Dhaka to Chittagong, you pass through familiar terrain. After Chittagong, the train enters the new coastal rail line passing the Karnaphuli estuary, forested hills, and open countryside in southeastern Bangladesh that most people have never seen from a train window before.
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar — Both Trains & Departure Times
Bangladesh Railway runs two trains on the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar route the Cox’s Bazar Express (launched December 2023) and the Parjatak Express (launched January 2024).
| Train Name | No. | Dep. Dhaka | Arr. Cox’s Bazar | Off Day | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox’s Bazar Express | 813/814 | 11:00 PM | 07:45 AM+ | Sunday | Night Intercity |
| Parjatak Express | 815/816 | 06:15 AM | 03:00 PM | Wednesday | Day Intercity |
Cox’s Bazar Express departs at night and arrives the following morning — marked + above. Parjatak Express is a daytime service, departing and arriving the same day. Both trains run 6 days a week. Always confirm timings at railway.gov.bd before travelling.
Cox’s Bazar Express vs Parjatak Express — What Each Train Is Like
Both trains on the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar route cover the same 551 km and make the same major stops. The key difference is when they run — one overnight, one during the day — and what that means for your trip. Here is an honest breakdown of each:
813/814 — Cox’s Bazar Express | Night Intercity
LoremDeparts Dhaka: 11:00 PM Arrives Cox’s Bazar: 07:45 AM Duration: ~8 hrs 45 min
Off Day: Sunday Key Stops: Airport, Chittagong (45-min halt), Cox’s Bazar
This was the first direct Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train launched 1 December 2023 when the new coastal rail line opened. The 11 PM departure from Kamalapur means you sleep through most of the journey and arrive in Cox’s Bazar by morning. AC Cabin, AC Chair, and Snigdha classes are available.
The train halts at Chittagong for approximately 45 minutes while the engine is changed enough time to stretch, grab food from the platform, and board again before the train continues on the coastal line to Cox’s Bazar. ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aenean diam dolor, accumsan sed rutrum vel, dapibus et leo.
815/816 — Parjatak Express | Day Intercity
Departs Dhaka: 06:15 AM Arrives Cox’s Bazar: 03:00 PM Duration: ~8 hrs 45 min
Off Day: Wednesday Key Stops: Airport, Chittagong (45-min halt), Cox’s Bazar
Parjatak means tourist — and this is Bangladesh Railway’s dedicated tourist express to Cox’s Bazar. Launched 10 January 2024, just weeks after Cox’s Bazar Express opened, Parjatak fills the daytime slot the overnight train cannot serve. Early morning departure from Kamalapur, afternoon arrival in Cox’s Bazar — check in, drop your bags, and head to the beach the same day.
The same 45-minute halt at Chittagong applies. The coastal section from Chittagong onward runs in full daylight on this train — scenery that Cox’s Bazar Express passengers miss entirely.
Cox’s Bazar Express or Parjatak Express — Which Should You Choose?
The two Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar trains serve different traveller profiles. Here is a clear comparison to help you decide:
| Factor | Cox’s Bazar Express (813) | Parjatak Express (815) |
| Departure Time | 11:00 PM (night) | 06:15 AM (early morning) |
| Arrival Time | 07:45 AM (next day) | 03:00 PM (same day) |
| Off Day | Sunday | Wednesday |
| Best For | Sleep on the train, arrive fresh | See the coastal scenery in daylight |
| AC Cabin Available | Yes | Yes |
| AC Chair (Snigdha) | Yes | Yes |
| Dining Car | Yes | Yes |
| Launched | December 2023 | January 2024 |
| Chittagong Halt | ~45 minutes (engine change) | ~45 minutes (engine change) |
| Simple Rule of Thumb If you want to arrive in Cox’s Bazar with a full day ahead of you and sleep on the journey — take the Cox’s Bazar Express (departs 11 PM). If you want to see the coastal scenery and arrive in the afternoon — take the Parjatak Express (departs 6:15 AM). Both trains are equally comfortable. The choice is purely about timing. |
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train Ticket Price 2026
The Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train ticket price is higher than other Bangladesh Railway intercity routes — and there is a specific reason for this. The Chittagong to Cox’s Bazar section of the route passes over seven large bridges, each over 100 metres long. Bangladesh Railway applies a bridge surcharge to all tickets on this route, adding the equivalent of 54 km to the fare calculation. This is why Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar fares are roughly double what Dhaka to Chittagong fares are. Here is the current ticket price breakdown:
| Seat Class | Cox’s Bazar Express | Parjatak Express |
| Shovan Chair | ৳ 460 | ৳ 460 |
| First Class Seat | ৳ 780 | ৳ 780 |
| Snigdha (AC Chair) | ৳ 1,500 | ৳ 1,500 |
| AC Berth | ৳ 2,045 | ৳ 2,045 |
| AC Cabin | ৳ 2,545 | ৳ 2,545 |
| Fare Notes — Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train Fares include the bridge surcharge for the 7 large bridges on the Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar coastal rail section. This is a permanent component of the fare structure on this route.A ৳ 20 online service charge applies per ticket when booking through eticket.railway.gov.bd.Children under 3 travel free. Children aged 3 to 12 pay half the adult fare.Student concession cardholders get up to 50% off on most intercity classes — apply at your Bangladesh Railway station with a valid student ID.Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train tickets sell out extremely fast — especially for weekends and public holidays. Book the moment the 10-day window opens at 8:00 AM. |
Which Class Should You Book on the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train?
At 551 km and nearly 9 hours, the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train is the longest intercity rail journey in Bangladesh. Choosing the right seat class for a journey this long makes a real difference. Here is a practical recommendation:
| Budget — Shovan Chair ৳ 460 per person Reserved fan-cooled seat. Comfortable enough for a daytime trip on Parjatak. Harder for the overnight Cox’s Bazar Express. | Best Value — Snigdha AC Chair ৳ 1,500 per person Air-conditioned, cushioned, reclining seat. For a 9-hour journey, Snigdha is the sweet spot between cost and comfort. |
| Premium — AC Berth ৳ 2,045 per person Sleeping berth with full AC. Best for the overnight Cox’s Bazar Express — arrive rested. Book very early. | Luxury — AC Cabin ৳ 2,545 per person Private enclosed cabin with AC. Best for couples or small groups wanting privacy on a long journey. |
| Family of 4 Budget Shovan Chair x 4 = ৳ 1,840 Cheapest way for a family. Adequate for daytime Parjatak. Not recommended for the overnight train with young children. | Family of 4 Comfortable Snigdha x 4 = ৳ 6,000 AC, comfortable seats, 9 hours without discomfort. The right call for families travelling with children. |
What the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train Journey Looks Like
The Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train covers more ground than any other intercity service in Bangladesh — and the journey has three very distinct sections, each with a different feel:
| Dhaka to Chittagong — The Familiar First Half The first half of the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train journey follows the same Dhaka-Chittagong corridor that Subarna Express and Sonar Bangla have been running for decades. You pass through Narsingdi, Brahmanbaria, Comilla, and Feni before arriving in Chittagong. On the night train, this section passes while you sleep. On the Parjatak, it is the morning stretch — flat delta country gradually giving way to the hillier terrain of Chittagong division. The Chittagong Halt — 45 Minutes to Stretch Both Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar trains make a significant halt at Chittagong station — approximately 45 minutes — while the engine is changed for the coastal section. This is not dead time. Get off, walk the platform, get food from the vendors outside, buy water, use the facilities. You will be back on the train for another 3 hours after this. On the night train, this halt happens around 3 to 4 AM — most passengers stay in their seats. Chittagong to Cox’s Bazar — The New Coastal Line This is the section that makes the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train genuinely special — and the section that did not exist before 2023. The new coastal rail line from Dohazari to Cox’s Bazar passes through forested hills, river crossings, and the fringes of Dulahazara Safari Park before approaching Cox’s Bazar. On the Parjatak Express, this entire section happens in daylight — and it is worth staying awake for. The Ramu area, about 30 minutes before Cox’s Bazar, has Buddhist temples visible from the train window. The final approach into Cox’s Bazar station is through the outer town — and when you step off, the beach is a 15-minute ride away. |
How to Book Your Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train Ticket
The Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train is the most in-demand route in Bangladesh Railway’s network right now. Seats — especially AC Berth and Snigdha class — sell out within minutes of the booking window opening. Here is how to book:
1- Set a reminder for 10 days before your travel date at 8:00 AM This is when the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train booking window opens. For weekend travel especially — be logged in and ready exactly at 8:00 AM. Waiting even 30 minutes can mean no AC Berth seats left.
2- Go to eticket.railway.gov.bd The only official Bangladesh Railway booking portal. Select Dhaka as ‘From’ and Cox’s Bazar as ‘To’. Enter your date and class. Both trains will appear with real-time seat availability.
3- Choose your train and class Cox’s Bazar Express for overnight, Parjatak Express for daytime. Select your preferred class from the seat map — green seats available, red booked.
4- Pay instantly and receive your e-ticket Pay via bKash, Nagad, Rocket, or Visa/Mastercard. Your e-ticket arrives by SMS and email within seconds. Show on your phone or print at home — both accepted.
Critical Booking Tip — Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar
The Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train is the single most oversubscribed intercity service in Bangladesh. During Eid holidays, winter tourist season (November to March), and any national holiday weekend — AC Berth and Snigdha tickets on both trains sell out within 5 to 10 minutes of the 8:00 AM booking window opening. Log in early. Have your NID number saved. Have your payment method pre-loaded. There is no second chance on this route during peak periods.
Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train — Practical Tips for a Better Journey
These are the things experienced Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train travellers wish they had known before their first trip on this route:
- Book AC Berth on the Cox’s Bazar Express if you can — it is genuinely worth the extra cost for a 9-hour overnight journey. Arriving rested after sleeping on the train, rather than stiff from sitting upright all night, changes the quality of your first day at the beach.
- On the Parjatak Express, take a window seat on the right side of the train heading toward Cox’s Bazar. From Chittagong onward on the new coastal line, the right side has better views of the forested hills and the Karnaphuli valley.
- Both Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar trains have a dining car. The food is train food — rice, curry, simple meals — but on a journey this long, having a hot meal available makes a real difference. The dining car on Cox’s Bazar Express is open during the Chittagong halt and for some hours after departure.
- During the 45-minute Chittagong halt on the night train (around 3 AM), most passengers stay in their seats — but if you are in Shovan class and want to stretch your legs, this is your only real opportunity. Platform vendors have water, snacks, and tea available.
- From Cox’s Bazar station to the main beach (Laboni Beach) is approximately 5 km. CNG auto-rickshaws are the standard transport and cost around ৳ 80 to ৳ 150 depending on exact destination. Ride-sharing apps also work in Cox’s Bazar town.
- Return tickets: book your Dhaka-bound return train before you leave Dhaka. Cox’s Bazar Express (814) departs Cox’s Bazar at 8:00 PM for Dhaka. Parjatak Express (816) departs Cox’s Bazar at 8:00 PM as well. Both are equally in demand in the return direction — especially on Sundays and Mondays after weekend trips.
- Track your train live on the day: send ‘tr 813’ (Cox’s Bazar Express) or ‘tr 815’ (Parjatak Express) to 16318 from GP, Robi, or Banglalink.
Arriving at Cox’s Bazar — What to Do When the Train Pulls In
Cox’s Bazar Railway Station is a relatively new facility — purpose-built for the 2023 rail opening. It is clean, well-organised, and located in the outer part of Cox’s Bazar town, about 5 km from the main beach area. Here is what to do when you step off your Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train:
| From Cox’s Bazar Station CNG auto-rickshaws are right outside the station exit. Laboni Beach area (main tourist zone) is about ৳ 100 to ৳ 150 by CNG. Sugandha Beach and Hotel Motel Zone (Marine Drive area) is ৳ 120 to ৳ 180. Negotiate before getting in — meters are not commonly used. Ride-sharing apps (Pathao, Shohoz) work in the town area. Key Things to Do in Cox’s Bazar Cox’s Bazar Main Beach (Laboni to Sugandha) — 22 km of unbroken coastline. Best at sunrise and sunset. Very crowded during tourist season weekends.Inani Beach — 32 km south of Cox’s Bazar town. Rocky coral outcroppings, clearer water, fewer crowds. About ৳ 400 to ৳ 600 one way by CNG.Himchari National Park — 12 km from Cox’s Bazar. Waterfalls and hill trails above the sea. Visible from the train on the approach from Chittagong.Dulahazara Safari Park — 48 km from Cox’s Bazar. One of Bangladesh’s major wildlife parks with Bengal tigers, elephants, and other animals. Visible from the train window.Ramu — 18 km from Cox’s Bazar. Known for Buddhist monasteries and temples. The train passes through Ramu station — you could stop here on the way if you book for Ramu. |
Frequently Asked Questions — Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train
| Q: How many trains run from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar? A: Bangladesh Railway currently operates two trains on the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar route — the Cox’s Bazar Express (train no. 813/814, off day Sunday) and the Parjatak Express (train no. 815/816, off day Wednesday). Both run 6 days per week and cover the 551 km journey in approximately 8 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes. |
| Q: What is the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train ticket price in 2026? A: Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train ticket prices range from ৳ 460 (Shovan Chair) to ৳ 2,545 (AC Cabin). Snigdha AC Chair costs ৳ 1,500 and AC Berth costs ৳ 2,045. Fares include a bridge surcharge for the 7 large bridges on the Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar coastal section. A ৳ 20 online service charge applies when booking at eticket.railway.gov.bd. |
| Q: When did the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train start? A: The Cox’s Bazar Express launched on 1 December 2023 — the first direct train ever to run between Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar. The Parjatak Express followed on 10 January 2024. Before 2023, there was no direct Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train service and passengers had to travel by road or air. |
| Q: How long does the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train journey take? A: The Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train journey takes approximately 8 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes, covering 551 km. The longer time compared to the straight-line distance reflects the route through Chittagong and then along the new coastal line which includes multiple bridge crossings. |
| Q: Which is better — Cox’s Bazar Express or Parjatak Express? A: It depends on your preference. Cox’s Bazar Express (departs 11 PM) is better if you want to sleep on the journey and arrive in Cox’s Bazar in the morning with a full day ahead. Parjatak Express (departs 6:15 AM) is better if you want to see the coastal scenery in daylight — particularly the new Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar rail section. Both trains offer the same classes and same level of comfort. |
| Q: Why is the Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train ticket more expensive than other routes? A: Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train fares are higher than comparable-distance routes because the Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar coastal section passes over 7 large bridges — each over 100 metres. Bangladesh Railway applies a bridge surcharge to tickets on this section, adding the equivalent of 54 km to the fare calculation. This surcharge is a permanent part of the route pricing. |
| Q: How far in advance should I book a Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train ticket? A: Book as early as possible — exactly 10 days before your travel date at 8:00 AM when the booking window opens. Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar is the most in-demand intercity route in Bangladesh. During tourist season (November to March), Eid holidays, and weekends — AC Berth and Snigdha seats sell out within 5 to 10 minutes of the booking window opening. There is no waiting list on Bangladesh Railway — once seats are gone, they are gone. |
| Q: What is the distance from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by train? A: The distance from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar by train is 551 kilometres, measured along the Bangladesh Railway track from Kamalapur in Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Railway Station. The route passes through Chittagong and then continues on the new Dohazari–Cox’s Bazar coastal rail line opened in 2023. |
Ready to Book Your Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar Train?
The Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train is one of the most significant things Bangladesh Railway has built in decades — and travelling on it is genuinely exciting in a way that most train journeys are not. You are riding on a piece of infrastructure that opened up Cox’s Bazar to a new generation of travellers who could not afford to fly. That matters. And the journey itself — through Chittagong, along the new coastal line, through forested hills toward the sea — is one worth taking.
Book your Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar train ticket at eticket.railway.gov.bd. The 10-day booking window opens at 8:00 AM. Book the moment it opens — especially for AC Berth. For help, call 131. Track your train on travel day: send ‘tr 813’ (Cox’s Bazar Express) or ‘tr 815’ (Parjatak) to 16318.
